Method and apparatus for determining uplink control channel resources

ABSTRACT

User equipment (UE), includes: a receiver configured to receive a specific parameter configured for a mapping manner of an enhanced physical downlink control channel (E-PDCCH) of the UE by an eNB, wherein the specific parameter configured for the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH corresponds to a localized mapping or a distributed mapping; and a processing circuit coupled to a memory configured to determine uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources of the UE according to the specific parameter corresponding to the localized or distributed mapping of the E-PDCCH of the UE and a PUCCH calculation formula.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/566,162, filedDec. 10, 2014, now pending, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/CN2012/076887, filed Jun. 14, 2012, the contents ofwhich are herein wholly incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to communication technologies, and inparticular to a method and apparatus for determining uplink controlchannel resources.

BACKGROUND

An uplink control channel (PUCCH, physical uplink control channel) isused to carry ACK/NACK (acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement)feedback for a downlink data channel (PDSCH), such as PUCCH format1/1a/1b, and may also be used to carry channel status information (CSI)of a downlink channel, such as PUCCH format 1/2a/2b. In Rel. 10, anuplink control channel PUCCH takes a CAZAC (const amplitude zeroauto-correlation) sequence as a basic sequence, which is divided into 30sequence groups, an index of which being denoted by u, uε{0, 1, 2, . . ., 29}; each sequence group contains one or two basis sequences, and vdenotes an index of a basic sequence in a sequence group, v=0, 1. APUCCH basic sequence of a user is decided by a sequence group index uand a basic sequence index v in a sequence group. All users in the samecell employ identical sequence groups, and users in different cellsemploy different sequence groups. As different users in a cell employidentical sequence group indices, when two users occupy identical uplinkphysical resource blocks (PRBs) to transmit PUCCHs, orthogonality ofPUCCHs in the cell may be ensured by different cyclic shifts (CSs)and/or different orthogonal cover codes (OCCs), so as to ensurerelatively low inter-cell interference. And at the same time, multipleusers may occupy identical CSs and/or OCCs, but occupy different PRBs,so as to ensure their orthogonality. A physical resource n_(PUCCH) ¹occupied by a PUCCH corresponds to a combination of a CS, an OCC and aPRB. For dynamic PDSCH transmission, the physical resource n_(PUCCH) ¹of the PUCCH format 1/1a/1b is dynamically decided by a index of a CCE(control channel element) of a PDCCH (physical downlink control channel)scheduling the PDSCH, n_(PUCCH) ¹=n_(CCE)+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾; where, n_(CCE)is an initial index of the CCE of the PDCCH, and N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a cellcommon parameter, which is configured via high-layer signaling.

As evolution of a EUTRA (evolved universal terrestrial radio access)network, many new scenarios appear, such as a heterogeneous networkhaving identical or different cell ID. New features of data channel andcontrol channel need to be introduced. And for an enhanced PDCCH,following content needs to be taken into account:

being capable of supporting an increased control channel capacity;

being capable of supporting an ICIC (inter-cell interferencecoordination) technology in a frequency domain;

being capable of increasing spatial reutilization of a control channelresource;

being capable of supporting beamforming and/or diversity;

being capable of operating in a new carrier type and a MBSFN (multicastbroadcast single frequency network) subframe; and

being capable of coexisting with conventional UE (user equipment) in thesame carrier.

Expected features include having an ability to schedule frequencyselection and reduce inter-cell interference. Based on the above demand,an E-PDCCH (enhanced PDCCH) may be in a conventional PDSCH (physicaldownlink shared channel) area, and frequency division multiplexed withthe PDSCH, that is, for at least one user, an E-PDCCH and a PDSCH occupydifferent physical resource block pairs (PRB pairs), as shown in FIG. 1.In order to improve spectral utilization of an E-PDCCH, a single PRB maycarry E-PDCCHs of multiple users. An E-PDCCH has two mapping schemes,that is, localized mapping and distributed mapping, as shown in FIG. 2.For the localized mapping, it is expected to obtain a frequencyselection scheduling gain and a frequency selection beamforming gain,i.e. an eNB is capable of transmitting E-PDCCHs in a subcarrier having arelatively good channel response. And for the distributed mapping, it isexpected to obtain a frequency diversity gain.

Similar to ACK/NACK feedback of a PDSCH scheduled by a PDCCH, ACK/NACKfeedback of a PDSCH scheduled by an E-PDCCH may still be carried by aPUCCH. A physical resource of the PUCCH may be dynamically implicitlydecided by parameters including at least N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ and an index ofan E-CCE of an E-PDCCH, etc. However, following problems may exist indeduction of the physical resource of the PUCCH:

1) the E-PDCCH has two mapping schemes, the localized mapping and thedistributed mapping, the indices of their E-CCEs may be independent;while the PDCCH has only one mapping scheme, and the indices of its CCEsis unified for all the users. Assuming that the PDCCH occupies formerthree OFDM symbols, a total number of corresponding CCEs is 20, PDCCHsof different users occupy different CCE of these 20 CCEs, for example, auser 1 and a user 2 occupy logically neighboring CCEs, the user 1occupying #11 CCE, and the user 2 occupying #12 CCE, then PUCCHresources n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ of these two users are different, which aren_(PUCCH) ¹=11+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ and n_(PUCCH) ¹=12+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾,respectively. While for an E-PDCCH, if the user 1 employs thedistributed mapping and the user 2 employs the localized mapping, andthe user 1 and the user 2respectively occupy a #1 CCE in a search spaceof the distributed mapping and a #1 CCE in a search space of thelocalized mapping, then the PUCCH resources n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ of these twousers are identical, which are both n_(PUCCH) ¹=1+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, thatis, collision of PUCCH resources occurs. Hence, the problem of resourcecollision in different mapping manners needs to be solved for PUCCHresources to which an E-PDCCH corresponds;

2) in the same mapping manner, resource collision may possibly occur inthe PUCCH resources to which an E-PDCCH corresponds. For example, in thelocalized mapping manner, a search space of each user is independentlyconfigured, and the indices of its E-CCEs are also calculated inrespective search spaces of the users. Therefore, when E-PDCCHs of twousers respectively occupy resources of identical CCE indices inrespective search spaces, such as both of them occupy a #1 CCE in thesearch space of themselves, then the resources n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ of the twousers are identical, which are both n_(PUCCH) ¹=1+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, thatis, collision of PUCCH resources occurs. In order to solve such aproblem, introduction of a PRB index may be taken into account toimplicitly calculate PUCCH resources; and

3) for the localized mapping manner, in order to obtain the frequencyselection scheduling gain, the eNB will transmit E-PDCCHs at best bandsof a user. Since best bands of different users are often not neighboringto each other, it is possible that a difference between indices of PRBsmapped by E-PDCCHs of different users may be very large; for example, ifE-PDCCH of the user 1 is mapping into a first PRB and E-PDCCH of theuser 2 is mapping into a 37th PRB, then PUCCH resources to which the twousers correspond may be different PRBs. In an existing PUCCH structure,one PRB may carry 3X PUCCHs, where, X is the maximum number of CSs thatcan be supported in one PRB. Even though the scheduled users at acertain moment are only the 2 users, resources reserved by a PUCCH arealso at least 2 PRBs, which results in that the spectral utilization ofthe PUCCH is very low. Such a problem is relatively less severe in aPDCCH. As the total overhead of PDCCHs of all users in a cell at acertain moment may be dynamically indicated by a PCFICH (physicalcontrol format indicator channel) (taking an OFDM (orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing) symbol as a minimum unit), although it cannot becorrected to a CCE, a dynamic range of a CCE is effectively limited,thereby avoiding the above problem of waste of E-PDCCHs.

It should be noted that the above description of the background ismerely provided for clear and complete explanation of the presentinvention and for easy understanding by those skilled in the art. And itshould not be understood that the above technical solution is known tothose skilled in the art as it is described in the background of thepresent invention.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a methodand apparatus for determining uplink control channel resources, so as tosolve the problem pointed out in the Background.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

receiving, by user equipment (UE), a specific parameter configured for amapping manner of its enhanced physical downlink control channel(E-PDCCH) by an eNB; and

determining its uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources by the UEaccording to the specific parameter corresponding to the mapping mannerof its E-PDCCH and a PUCCH calculation formula.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

configuring, by an eNB, different specific parameters for differentmapping manners of an E-PDCCH of UE; and

transmitting the different specific parameters by the eNB to the UE, ortransmitting a specific parameter corresponding to the mapping manner ofthe E-PDCCH of the UE to the UE, so that the UE determines its uplinkcontrol channel (PUCCH) resources according to the specific parametercorresponding to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCH and a PUCCHcalculation formula.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

determining, by UE, its PUCCH resources, according to a specificparameter configured by an eNB and a PUCCH calculation formulacorresponding to a mapping manner of its E-PDCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

configuring, by an eNB, different PUCCH calculation formulae fordifferent mapping manners of E-PDCCH of UE, so that the UE determinesits PUCCH resources according to a specific parameter configured by theeNB and a PUCCH calculation formula corresponding to its mapping mannerof E-PDCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

determining, by UE, a starting point of its PUCCH resources, accordingto a payload of an E-PDCCH and its mapping manner of E-PDCCH; and

determining, by the UE, its PUCCH resources according to the startingpoint of its PUCCH resources and a PUCCH calculation formula.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

determining a maximum resource index of a PUCCH by UE dynamicallyaccording to a payload of an E-PDCCH, or dynamically according to amaximum value preconfigured by a high layer; and

determining its PUCCH resources by the UE according to a PUCCHcalculation formula and the maximum resource index of the PUCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

configuring times of payloads by an eNB; and

transmitting the times of payloads by the eNB to UE, so that the UEdetermines a payload of its E-PDCCH according to the times of payloadsand a payload of an E-PDCCH in distributed mapping indicated by areceived EPCFICH, determines a maximum resource index of its PUCCHaccording to the payload of its E-PDCCH, and determines its PUCCHresources according to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximumresource index of its PUCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for determining uplink control channel resources,including:

configuring multiple E-PDCCH payloads by an eNB; and

transmitting the multiple E-PDCCH payloads and payload indicationinformation by the eNB to UE, so that the UE determines a payload of itsE-PDCCH according to the payload indication information, determines amaximum resource index of its PUCCH according to the payload of itsE-PDCCH, and determines its PUCCH resources according to a PUCCHcalculation formula and the maximum resource index of its PUCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided UE, including:

a receiving unit configured to receive a specific parameter configuredfor a mapping manner of an enhanced physical downlink control channel(E-PDCCH) of the UE by an eNB; and

a determining unit configured to determine uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of the UE according to the specific parametercorresponding to the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE and a PUCCHcalculation formula.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided an eNB, including:

a configuring unit configured to configure different specific parametersfor different mapping manners of E-PDCCH of UE; and

a transmitting unit configured to transmit the different specificparameters to the UE, or transmit a specific parameter corresponding tothe mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE to the UE, so that the UEdetermines its uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources according to thespecific parameter corresponding to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCHand a PUCCH calculation formula.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided UE, including:

a determining unit configured to determine PUCCH resources of the UEaccording to a specific parameter configured by an eNB and a PUCCHcalculation formula corresponding to a mapping manner of E-PDCCH of theUE.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided an eNB, including:

a configuring unit configured to configure different PUCCH calculationformulae for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH of UE, so that the UEdetermines its PUCCH resources according to a specific parameterconfigured by the eNB and a PUCCH calculation formula corresponding toits mapping manner of E-PDCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided UE, including:

a first determining unit configured to determine a starting point ofPUCCH resources of the UE according to a payload of an E-PDCCH and amapping manner of E-PDCCH of the UE; and

a second determining unit configured to determine PUCCH resources of theUE according to the starting point of the PUCCH resources of the UE anda PUCCH calculation formula.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided UE, including:

a first determining unit configured to determine a maximum resourceindex of a PUCCH, dynamically according to a payload of an E-PDCCH, ordynamically according to a maximum value preconfigured by a high-layer;and

a second determining unit configured to determine PUCCH resources of theUE, according to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximum resourceindex of the PUCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided an eNB, including:

a configuring unit configured to configure times of payloads; and

a transmitting unit configured to transmit the times of payloads to UE,so that the UE determines a payload of its E-PDCCH according to thetimes of payloads and a payload of an E-PDCCH in distributed mappingindicated by a received EPCFICH, determines a maximum resource index ofits PUCCH according to the payload of its E-PDCCH, and determines itsPUCCH resources according to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximumresource index of its PUCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided an eNB, including:

a configuring unit configured to configure multiple E-PDCCH payloads;and

a transmitting unit configured to transmit the multiple E-PDCCH payloadsand payload indication information to UE, so that the UE determines apayload of its E-PDCCH according to the payload indication information,determines a maximum resource index of its PUCCH according to thepayload of its E-PDCCH, and determines its PUCCH resources according toa PUCCH calculation formula and the maximum resource index of its PUCCH.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a computer-readable program, wherein when the program isexecuted in UE, the program enables a computer to carry out the methodfor determining uplink control channel resources as described above inthe UE.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a storage medium in which a computer-readable program isstored, wherein the computer-readable program enables a computer tocarry out the method for determining uplink control channel resources asdescribed above in UE.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a computer-readable program, wherein when the program isexecuted in an eNB, the program enables a computer to carry out themethod for determining uplink control channel resources as describedabove in the eNB.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a storage medium in which a computer-readable program isstored, wherein the computer-readable program enables a computer tocarry out the method for determining uplink control channel resources asdescribed above in an eNB.

An advantage of embodiments of the present invention exists in that withthe embodiments of the present invention, collision of PUCCH resourcesof different UE is lowered, and/or spectral efficiencies of the PUCCHsare improved.

With reference to the following description and drawings, the particularembodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, and theprinciple of the present invention and the manners of use are indicated.It should be understood that the scope of the embodiments of the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The embodiments of the presentinvention contain many alternations, modifications and equivalentswithin the spirits and scope of the terms of the appended claims.

Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to oneembodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one ormore other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of thefeatures of the other embodiments.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when usedin this specification is taken to specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps or components but does not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present invention can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. To facilitateillustrating and describing some parts of the invention, correspondingportions of the drawings may be enlarged or reduced. Elements andfeatures depicted in one drawing or embodiment of the invention may becombined with elements and features depicted in one or more additionaldrawings or embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like referencenumerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views andmay be used to designate like or similar parts in more than oneembodiment. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is schematic diagrams of a PDSCH, a PDCCH and an E-PDCCH;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a distributed mapping manner of anE-PDCCH;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a localized mapping manner of anE-PDCCH;

FIG. 3 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 4 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 5 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 3;

FIG. 6 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 4;

FIG. 7 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 5;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of eCCE indices of E-PDCCHs of differentUE in the localized mapping manner;

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of PUCCH resources of E-PDCCHs ofdifferent UE in the localized mapping manner;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of eCCE indices of E-PDCCHs in differentmapping manners;

FIG. 10 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 6;

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of E-PDCCH mapping of E-PDCCHs ofdifferent UE in the localized mapping manner;

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of PUCCH resources of E-PDCCHs ofdifferent UE in the localized mapping manner;

FIG. 12 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 7;

FIG. 13 is flowchart of a method for determining uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of Embodiment 8;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of user equipment ofEmbodiment 9;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eNB of Embodiment10;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of user equipment ofEmbodiment 11;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eNB of Embodiment12;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of user equipment ofEmbodiment 13;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of user equipment ofEmbodiment 14;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eNB of Embodiment15; and

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eNB of Embodiment16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Above and other features of embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent according to the following description with reference tothe drawings. These embodiments are illustrative only, and are notintended to limit the present invention. For the principle andimplementation modes of the present invention to be easily understood bythose skilled in the art, the implementation modes of the presentinvention shall be described taking ACK/NACK feedback of a PDSCHscheduled by an E-PDCCH as an example. However, it should be understoodthat the present invention is not limited to the above scenario, and isapplicable to other scenarios related to determination of PUCCHresources.

Embodiment 1

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determininguplink control channel (PUCCH) resources. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of themethod. Referring to FIG. 3, the method includes:

step 301: receiving, by user equipment (UE), a specific parameterconfigured for a mapping manner of its enhanced physical downlinkcontrol channel (E-PDCCH) by an eNB;

wherein, the specific parameter here may be a cell-specific commonparameter, and may also be a UE-specific parameter, which issemi-statically configured by a high layer; in the followingdescription, the specific parameter is denoted by N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾;however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limitedthereto;

step 302: determining its uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources bythe UE according to the specific parameter corresponding to the mappingmanner of its E-PDCCH and a PUCCH calculation formula.

In this embodiment, the eNB configures different mapping manners ofE-PDCCHs of the UE with different specific parameters N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾,that is N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ of PUCCH resources to which E-PDCCHs of thedistributed mapping and the localized mapping corresponds are different.Therefore, even though indices of CCEs of search spaces occupied bydifferent UE in respective mapping manners of E-PDCCHs are identical,collision of PUCCH resources will not occur, as different specificparameters N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ are employed.

In this embodiment, a PUCCH calculation formula for determining PUCCHresources is not limited. For example, an existing PUCCH calculationformula may be employed:n _(PUCCH) ¹ =n _(CCE) +N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾;

where, n_(CCE) is an initial index of CCEs of the E-PDCCH, and N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter configured by the eNB for different mappingmanners of E-PDCCHs. Assuming that the specific parameter configured bythe eNB for E-PDCCH in the localized mapping manner is N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾^(_) ^(localized), and the specific parameters configured by the eNB forE-PDCCH in the distributed mapping manner are N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_)^(distributed), PUCCH resources of the user 1 is n_(PUCCH)¹=n_(CCE)+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_) ^(distributed), and PUCCH resources of theuser 2 is n_(PUCCH) ¹=n_(CCE)+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_) ^(localized); and asN_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_) ^(distributed)≠N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_) ^(localized),collision of PUCCH resources may be avoided.

The above formulae are illustrative only, and this embodiment is notlimited thereto.

In this embodiment, after the eNB configures different mapping mannersof E-PDCCHs of the UE with different specific parameters, the eNB maytransmit a specific parameter corresponding to a mapping manner of anE-PDCCH of the UE to the UE, and may also transmit all the specificparameters to which the two mapping manners correspond to the UE, sothat the UE may determine a corresponding specific parameter accordingthe mapping manner of its E-PDCCH. Hence, in this embodiment, step 301may include:

receiving, by the UE, the specific parameter corresponding to themapping manner of its E-PDCCH transmitted by the eNB; or

receiving, by the UE, specific parameters configured for differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH transmitted by the eNB, and determining itsspecific parameter according to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCH.

That is, the eNB may transmit all the different specific parametersconfigured for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH to the UE, and theUE determines a corresponding specific parameter according to themapping manner of its E-PDCCH. Or, the eNB may transmit only thespecific parameter corresponding to the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH ofthe UE to the UE, hence the UE may directly obtain the specificparameter corresponding to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCH.

With the method of this embodiment, different specific parameters areemployed for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH, thereby lowering theproblem of collision of PUCCH resources of different UE.

Embodiment 2

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources, which is processing at aneNB side to which the method of Embodiment 1 corresponds. FIG. 4 is aflowchart of the method. Referring to FIG. 4, the method includes:

step 401: configuring, by an eNB, different specific parameters fordifferent mapping manners of an E-PDCCH of UE; and

step 402: transmitting the different specific parameters by the eNB tothe UE, or transmitting a specific parameter corresponding to themapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE to the UE, so that the UEdetermines its uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources according to thespecific parameter corresponding to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCHand a PUCCH calculation formula.

In this embodiment, as the E-PDCCH may be mapped in the distributedmanner, and may also be mapped in the localized manner, the eNB of thisembodiment configures different specific parameters for the E-PDCCHsmapped in the distributed manner and the E-PDCCHs mapped in thelocalized manner. Hence, a user of the E-PDCCH mapped in the distributedmanner and a user of the E-PDCCH mapped in the localized manner usedifferent specific parameters to calculate their PUCCH resources,thereby lowering a possibility of collision of PUCCH resources.

In this embodiment, as the processing at the UE side has been describedin Embodiment 1, it shall not be described herein any further.

With the method of this embodiment, the eNB configures different mappingmanners of E-PDCCHs with different specific parameters, thereby avoidingthe problem of collision of PUCCH resources of different UE.

Embodiment 3

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources. FIG. 5 is a flowchart ofthe method. Referring to FIG. 5, the method includes:

step 501: determining, by UE, its PUCCH resources, according to aspecific parameter configured by an eNB and a PUCCH calculation formulacorresponding to a mapping manner of its E-PDCCH.

In this embodiment, identical specific parameters N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ may beemployed, but different PUCCH calculation formulae are employed. Thatis, the eNB configures different mapping manners of E-PDCCH of the UEwith different PUCCH calculation formulae, so that collision will notoccur in UE occupying different E-PDCCH physical resources and employingdifferent mapping manners of E-PDCCHs in calculating PUCCH resources. Ofcourse, this embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the methodsof embodiments 1 and 2 may be combined, the eNB may configure differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH with different specific parameters N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾ at the same time, and the UE may determine its PUCCH resourcesaccording to a corresponding specific parameter N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ and acorresponding PUCCH calculation formula based on mapping manner of itsE-PDCCH.

In an embodiment, the eNB configures the E-PDCCH mapped in the localizedmanner with the following PUCCH calculation formula:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +Z×N _(RB) ^(index) +Y×n _(CCE);

when the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE is the localizedmapping, the UE may determine its PUCCH resources according to the aboveformula; where, N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter semi-staticallyconfigured by a high layer, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a physicalresource block (PRB) occupied by the E-PDCCH, Z is a maximum number ofpieces of downlink control information (DCI) carried in each PRB in thedistributed mapping, Y is a ratio of the maximum number of pieces of DCIcarried in each PRB in the distributed mapping and a maximum number ofpieces of DCI carried in each PRB in the localized mapping; wherein, itis preferred that Z is 8 or 16 and Y=Z/X; and n_(CCE) is an index of acontrol channel element (eCCE) in each PRB; wherein, n_(CCE)=0, 1, . . .X−1, and n_(CCE) may be a lowest eCCE index corresponding to theE-PDCCH, may also be an eCCE index corresponding to the E-PDCCH andassociated with a demodulation reference symbol (DM-RS) port.

In an embodiment, the eNB configures the E-PDCCHs mapped in thedistributed manner with the following PUCCH calculation formula:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +Z×N _(RB) ^(index) +n _(CCE);

when the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE is the distributedmapping, the UE may determine its PUCCH resources according to the aboveformula; where, N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter semi-staticallyconfigured by a high layer, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a PRBoccupied by the E-PDCCH, Z is a maximum number of pieces of DCI carriedin each PRB in the distributed mapping, and n_(CCE) is an index of aresource element group (eREG) or an eCCE or DCI in each PRB; wherein,n_(CCE)=0, 1, . . . Z−1, and n_(CCE) may be a lowest eCCE indexcorresponding to the E-PDCCH, or an eCCE index corresponding to theE-PDCCH and associated with a DM-RS port.

The above PUCCH calculation formulae respectively configured by the eNBfor the E-PDCCHs mapped in the localized manner and the distributedmanner are illustrative only, and the embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited thereto. In particular implementation, the eNBmay also configure different mapping manners of E-PDCCH with otherdifferent PUCCH calculation formulae, taking other conditions intoaccount, only if PUCCH calculation formulae to which the differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH correspond are different, which are coveredby the protection scope of the present invention.

For example, for the E-PDCCH mapped in the localized manner, a formulan_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+Z×N_(RB) ^(index)+Y×n_(CCE)+n_(AP) may beconfigured, and for the E-PDCCH mapped in the distributed manner, aformula n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+Z×N_(RB) ^(index)+n_(CCE)+n_(AP) maybe configured; where, n_(AP) is an index of a antenna port (DM-RS) towhich an E-PDCCH corresponds; for example, if an E-PDCCH corresponds toDM-RS port 7, n_(AP)=0, and if an E-PDCCH corresponds to DM-RS port 10,n_(AP)=3.

For another example, for the E-PDCCH mapped in the localized manner, aformula n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+Z×N_(RB) ^(index)+Y×n_(CCE)+ARI maybe configured, and for the E-PDCCH mapped in the distributed manner, aformula n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+Z×N_(RB) ^(index)+n_(CCE)+ARI may beconfigured; where, ARI is another parameter configured by a high layer.

In the above two examples, Z×N_(RB) ^(index) is also optional.

With the method of this embodiment, different PUCCH calculation formulaeare employed for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH, thereby loweringthe problem of collision of PUCCH resources of different UE.

Embodiment 4

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources, which is processing at aneNB side to which the method of Embodiment 3 corresponds. FIG. 6 is aflowchart of the method. Referring to FIG. 6, the method includes:

step 601: configuring, by an eNB, different PUCCH calculation formulaefor different mapping manners of E-PDCCH of UE, so that the UEdetermines its PUCCH resources according to a specific parameterconfigured by the eNB and a PUCCH calculation formula corresponding toits mapping manner of E-PDCCH.

Wherein, a type of PUCCH calculation formulae configured by the eNB isnot limited in this embodiment of the present invention, only if thePUCCH calculation formulae configured by the eNB for different mappingmanners of E-PDCCH are different, which are covered by the protectionscope of the present invention.

Wherein, examples of PUCCH calculation formulae configured by the eNBfor different mapping manners of E-PDCCH are described in Embodiment 3,which are incorporated herein, and shall not be described herein anyfurther.

With the method of this embodiment, different PUCCH calculation formulaeare configured by the eNB for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH, sothat UE of different mapping manners of E-PDCCHs may calculate its PUCCHresources according to different PUCCH calculation formulae, therebyavoiding the problem of collision of PUCCH resources.

Embodiment 5

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources. FIG. 7 is a flowchart ofthe method. Referring to FIG. 7, the method includes:

step 701: determining, by UE, a starting point of its PUCCH resources,according to a payload of an E-PDCCH and a mapping manner of itsE-PDCCH; and

step 702: determining, by the UE, its PUCCH resources according to thestarting point of its PUCCH resources and a PUCCH calculation formula.

In this embodiment, in order to differentiate different mapping mannersof E-PDCCH, so as to avoid resource collision, the eNB configures thedifferent mapping manners of E-PDCCH with different starting points ofPUCCH resources, so that a starting point of one of the mapping mannersis in close proximity to a possible maximum resource index of a PUCCH inanother mapping manner. Therefore, in calculating the PUCCH resources bythe UE, the UE may determine a starting point of its PUCCH resourcesaccording to the payload (i.e. a total overhead) of the E-PDCCH and themapping manner of its E-PDCCH. As corresponding to different mappingmanners of E-PDCCHs, the PUCCH resources are calculated based ondifferent starting points of PUCCH resources, collision of PUCCHresources of different UE is avoided.

In an embodiment, the eNB indicates the total overhead of the E-PDCCHmapped in the distributed manner via a physical control format indicatorchannel (EPCFICH), such as indicating the number of eCCEs or the numberof PRBs in each transmission time interval (TTI). And at the same time,after the eNB configures the PUCCH resources to which E-PDCCH mapped inthe localized manner correspond tightly close to the maximum index ofthe PUCCH resources to which the E-PDCCHs mapped in the distributedmanner, the UE may determine the starting point of its PUCCH resourcesaccordingly. For example, if the E-PDCCH of the UE are mapped in thedistributed manner, the UE may determine that the starting point of itsPUCCH resources is 0; and if the E-PDCCH of the UE are mapped in thelocalized manner, the UE may determine that the starting point of itsPUCCH resources is the maximum index of the PUCCH resources to which theE-PDCCH mapped in the distributed manner correspond.

For example, assuming that the number of eCCEs indicated by the EPCFICHis N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed), or the number of PRBs indicated by theEPCFICH is N_(ePDCCH) ^(RB), and the number of eCCEs N_(ePDCCH)^(distributed)=XN_(ePDCCH) ^(RB), X being the number of eCCEs carried ineach PRB, for UE of which the mapping manner of E-PDCCH is thedistributed manner, its PUCCH resources may be determined throughcalculation by using the formula below n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE); and for UE of which the mapping manner of E-PDCCH is thelocalized manner, its PUCCH resources may be determined throughcalculation by using the formula below: n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE)+N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed) or n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+X×N_(RB) ^(index)+n_(CCE)+N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed).

In this embodiment, similar to embodiments 1 and 3, the above PUCCHcalculation formulae are also illustrative only, this embodiment is notlimited thereto, and any calculation formula for calculating PUCCHresources are all covered by the protection scope of the presentinvention.

With the method of this embodiment, different staring points of PUCCHresources are employed corresponding to different mapping manners ofE-PDCCH, thereby lowering the problem of collision of PUCCH resources ofdifferent UE.

For the methods of embodiments 1, 3 and 5 to be more clear and easy tobe understood, they shall be described below with reference to FIGS. 8a,8b and 9.

FIGS. 8a and 8b are schematic diagrams of eCCE indices and correspondingPUCCH resources of E-PDCCHs of different UE in the localized mappingmanner. As shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b , although UE1 and UE2 occupydifferent physical resources, as CCE index positions in their respectivesearch spaces are identical, PUCCH resources obtained throughcalculation by using formula n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=n_(CCE)+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ areidentical, thereby resulting in resource collision. In order to solvesuch a problem, an index of a PRB may be introduced. For example, theabove formula may be modified as:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +X×N _(RB) ^(index) +n _(CCE);

where, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a PRB occupied by an E-PDCCH,n_(CCE) is an index of an eCCE in each PRB, and X is the number of eCCEscarried in each PRB, preferably, X=2 or 3 or 4; taking that X=4 as anexample, the PUCCH resources of the UE1 corresponding to its E-PDCCH isn_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+4+1, and the PUCCH resources of the UE2corresponding to its E-PDCCH is n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+80+1,wherein, n_(CCE)=0, 1, . . . X−1, and n_(CCE) may be a lowest eCCE indexcorresponding to the E-PDCCH, or an eCCE index corresponding to theE-PDCCH and associated with a DM-RS port.

However, although the problem of PUCCH resource collision between UE ofwhich the mapping manner of the E-PDCCHs is the localized manner may besolved by introducing a PRB index, as the indices of n_(CCE) areindependent for the different mapping manners of E-PDCCHs, the problemof PUCCH resource collision between UE of which the mapping manners ofthe E-PDCCHs are different cannot be solved.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of eCCE indices of E-PDCCHs in differentmapping manners. As shown in FIG. 9, the UE1 and UE2 use differentmapping manners, the UE1 uses the distributed mapping, and the UE2 usesthe localized mapping. Although the UE1 and UE2 occupy differentphysical resources, as CCE index positions in their respective searchspaces are identical, PUCCH resources obtained through calculation byusing formula n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=n_(CCE)+N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ are identical, therebyresulting in resource collision.

In view of the problem of PUCCH resource collision in the scenariosshown in FIGS. 8a, 8b and 9, the method of this embodiment of thepresent invention is proposed.

With the method of Embodiment 1, if different mapping manners of E-PDCCHemploy different N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, the problem of PUCCH resource collisionin the above two scenarios may be avoided.

With the method of Embodiment 3, if different mapping manners of E-PDCCHemploy identical N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, but use of different PUCCH calculationformulae may also make that collision will not occur in UE occupyingdifferent E-PDCCH physical resources and employing differentmapping/transmission manners of E-PDCCHs in calculating PUCCH resources.

With the method of Embodiment 5, if the total overhead of the E-PDCCHmapped in the distributed manner may be obtained in a real-time manner,such as being indicated by an EPCFICH in each TTI, then the PUCCHresources to which the E-PDCCH mapped in the localized manner correspondmay be arranged closed proximity after the maximum index of the PUCCHresources to which the E-PDCCH mapped in the distributed mannercorrespond. As the starting points of the PUCCH resources in differentmapping manners of E-PDCCHs are different, for UE in the distributedmapping manner, its PUCCH resources may be calculated as n_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE), and for UE in the localized mapping manner,its PUCCH resources may be calculated as n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE)+N_(epDCCH) ^(distributed) or n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+X×N_(RB) ^(index)+n_(CCE)+N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed), therebyavoiding resource collision in the scenarios shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Embodiment 6

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources. FIG. 10 is a flowchart ofthe method. Referring to FIG. 10, the method includes:

step 1001: determining a maximum resource index of a PUCCH by UEdynamically according to a payload of an E-PDCCH, or dynamicallyaccording to a maximum value preconfigured by a high layer; and

step 1002: determining its PUCCH resources by the UE according to aPUCCH calculation formula and the maximum resource index of the PUCCH.

In this embodiment, the eNB presets a maximum resource index, and whenthe UE determines its PUCCH resources (i.e. the PUCCH resources neededby ACK/NACK feedback of the PDSCHs scheduled by the E-PDCCH), an indexof its PUCCH resources is made to be not in excess of the preset maximumresource index, thereby avoiding the problem of resource collision.

Wherein, the maximum resource index may be determined according to thepayload of the E-PDCCH, and may also be dynamically determined accordingto a maximum value preconfigured by a high layer, and this embodiment isnot limited thereto. Wherein, the maximum value preconfigured by thehigh layer also takes the payload of the E-PDCCH into account.

Wherein, in the manner of dynamically determining the maximum resourceindex according to the payload of the E-PDCCH, the payload of theE-PDCCH may be obtained directly or indirectly according to the EPCFICH,and may also be jointly obtained according to the EPCFICH and high-layersignaling. For example, the EPCFICH may indicate the number of eCCEs towhich the E-PDCCHs of all the UE correspond, that is, including thetotal number of eCCEs mapped in the distributed manner and the localizedmanner. Therefore, the UE may directly or indirectly obtain the payloadof the E-PDCCH according to the EPCFICH, and further determine themaximum resource index of the PUCCH accordingly. For another example,the EPCFICH may only indicate the number N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed) ofthe eCCEs to which the E-PDCCHs of all the UE in the distributed mappingmanner correspond, and a parameter L may be configured by a high layer,and take N_(ePDCCH) ^(load)=L×N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed) to denote thenumber of the eCCEs of the E-PDCCHs of all the UE. Hence, the UE mayjointly obtain the payload of the E-PDCCH according to the EPCFICH andhigh-layer signaling, thereby determining the maximum resource index ofthe PUCCH.

Wherein, in the manner of dynamically determining the maximum resourceindex according to the maximum value preconfigured by a high layer, ifthe eNB does not transmit the EPCFICH to the UE, that is, there existsno EPCFICH, multi N_(ePDCCH) ^(load) may be configured by a high layerand a bit is added or an existing bit is multiplexed in DCI of theE-PDCCH, so as to dynamically indicate which N_(ePDCCH) ^(load) isemployed. Hence, the UE may determine the payload of the E-PDCCHaccording to high-layer signaling and dynamic indication, therebydetermining the maximum resource index of the PUCCH accordingly.

In an implementation mode of step 1002, the UE may determine its PUCCHresources by performing modular operation on the maximum resource indexof the PUCCH by using a value obtained through calculation according toa PUCCH calculation formula.

In another implementation mode of step 1002, other items may be added,so as to lower a possibility of collision brought by modular operation(remainder operation).

For the method of this embodiment to be more clear and easy to beunderstood, it shall be described below with reference to FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, at a certain moment, the eNB schedules only threepieces of UE, that is, transmitting E-PDCCHs scheduling transmission ofPDSCHs to the three pieces of UE. If the E-PDCCHs of the three pieces ofUE are transmitted in PRBs spaced relatively far away from each other,and as shown in FIG. 11, they are transmitted in a first PRB, a fifthPRB and a ninth PRB, respectively, then the PUCCH resources to which thethree pieces of UE correspond are n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+4+1,n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+20+2 and n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+36+2.Assuming that at most 6 CSs and 3 OCCs may be supported in each PRB,that is, a PRB may carry 18 different n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, for simplicity,assuming that N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=18, the PRBs to which the PUCCHs of thethree pieces of UE correspond are a second PRB, a third PRB and a fourthPRB, respectively. However, three PRBs may actually accommodate at most54 pieces of UE, and in this embodiment, there are only three pieces ofUE, which still occupy 3 PRBs, resulting in that the spectralutilization of the PUCCHs are very low.

In order to effectively improve the efficiency, an index of PUCCHresources may be limited to be not in excess of the preset maximumresource index by using the method of this embodiment. The maximumresource index may be dynamically determined according to the payload ofthe E-PDCCH, or dynamically determined according to the maximum valueconfigured by a high layer.

Wherein, in the manner of dynamically determining the maximum resourceindex according to the payload of the E-PDCCH, the payload of theE-PDCCH may be obtained directly or indirectly according to the EPCFICH,and may also be jointly obtained according to the EPCFICH and high-layersignaling. And wherein, in the manner of dynamically determining themaximum resource index according to the maximum value preconfigured by ahigh layer, the maximum resource index may be obtained via high-layersignaling and the dynamic indication information.

For example, assuming that the maximum resource index is N_(EPDCCH)^(load)−1, the PUCCH resources may be determined in a manner ofremainder operation, thereby limiting the index of PUCCH resources to benot in excess of the preset maximum resource index, that is,n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=(N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +X×N _(RB) ^(index) +n _(CCE))mod N_(ePDCCH) ^(load);

assuming that N_(ePDCCH) ^(load)=20, PUCCH resources of the three piecesof UE are respectively:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=(N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+4+1)mod 20=3n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=(n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+20+2)mod 20=0, andn _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=(N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+36+2)mod 20=16.

Hence, the PUCCHs of the three pieces of UE are mapped into differentOCC or CS resources in the same PRB, thereby improving the spectralefficiency of the PUCCHs.

In another embodiment, other items may be added, so as to lower apossibility of collision brought by remainder operation. For example,down round-off of N_(ePDCCH) ^(load) is added, that isn _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=([ . . . ]mod N _(ePDCCH) ^(load)+└ . . . ┘)mod N_(ePDCCH) ^(load).

Wherein, the function in [ ] may use a formula identical to that of theprior art in calculating n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾, such as N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE)may also use the formulae and methods given in embodiments 1, 3 and 5,such as N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_) _(distributed)+n_(CCE) for the distributedmapping, and N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ^(_) _(localized)+n_(CCE) for the localizedmapping, and may also use any other formula, such as N_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE)+n_(AP); where, n_(AP) is an index of an antenna port (DM-RS)port to which an E-PDCCH corresponds; or n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+n_(CCE)+ARI;where, ARI is a parameter configured by a high layer. Hence, a preferredmanner may be:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=([N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +n _(CCE) +n _(AP)]mod N _(ePDCCH)^(load) +└[N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +n _(CCE) +n _(AP) ]/N _(ePDCCH) ^(load)┘)modN _(ePDCCH) ^(load)  (a);orn _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=([N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +n _(CCE) +n _(AP)]mod N _(ePDCCH)^(load) +└[N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +n _(CCE) ]/N _(ePDCCH) ^(load) ┘+n _(AP))modN _(ePDCCH) ^(load)  (b).

Assuming that there are three pieces of UE, n_(CCE) is 1, 19 and 21,respectively, and the corresponding DM-RS ports are a port 7, a port 9and a port 7, respectively, then, according to load formula (b),assuming that N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=5, N_(ePDCCH) ^(load)=20, n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ ofthe three pieces of UE are respectively:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=([N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+1+0]mod 20+[N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+1]/20┘+0)mod20=6,n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=([N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+19+2]mod 20+└[N _(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+19]/20┘+2)mod 20=9,n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾=([N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾+21+0]mod 20+└[N _(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾+21]/20┘+0)mod 20=7.

Hence, all the PUCCHs of the three pieces of UE are all mapped intodifferent OCC or CS resources in the same PRB, thereby improving thespectral efficiency of the PUCCHs.

If the UE1 and the UE3 calculate n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ according only to thefirst item, i.e. [ . . . ]mod N_(ePDCCH) ^(load), then n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ areall 6, and collision occurs in the PUCCH resources of the UEs. As downround-off of N_(ePDCCH) ^(load) is added, values of the second item aredifferent, thereby making the UE to avoid collision. And if the UE2 andthe UE3 calculate all according to formula (a), that is, the expressionsin the parentheses of the first item and the second item are completelyidentical, then n_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ are all 7, and collision occurs in thePUCCH resources of the UE. As the expressions in the parentheses of thesecond item and the first item in the formula (b) are different,collision of PUCCH resources between the UEs are avoided.

In this embodiment, a PUCCH calculation formula and a correspondingmethod for calculating PUCCH resources are not limited. For example,they may be achieved by using the methods in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 3or Embodiment 5 of the present invention, only if the calculatedresource index of the PUCCH resources is not in excess of the presetmaximum resource index of PUCCHs, which are all covered by theprotection scope of the present invention.

With the method of this embodiment, a maximum resource index of PUCCHsmay be preset, so that the calculated resource index of the PUCCHresources is not in excess of the preset value, thereby improving thespectral efficiency of the PUCCHs. When the PUCCH resources arecalculated by using the methods in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 3 orEmbodiment 5, resource collision between different UEs may be avoided atthe same time.

Embodiment 7

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources, which is processing at aneNB side to which an implementation mode of Embodiment 6 corresponds.FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the method. Referring to FIG. 12, the methodincludes:

step 1201: configuring times of payloads by an eNB; and

step 1202: transmitting the times of payloads by the eNB to UE, so thatthe UE determines a payload of its E-PDCCH according to the times ofpayloads and a payload of an E-PDCCH in distributed mapping indicated bya received EPCFICH, determines a maximum resource index of its PUCCHaccording to the payload of the E-PDCCH, and determines its PUCCHresources according to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximumresource index of the PUCCH.

This embodiment corresponds to the implementation mode in Embodiment 6jointly obtaining the payload of the E-PDCCH according to the EPCFICHand the high-layer signaling.

In this embodiment, if the EPCFICH indicates only the number N_(ePDCCH)^(distributed) eCCEs to which all the E-PDCCHs of the UE mapped in thedistributed manner correspond, the eNB may preconfigure a time ofpayloads L and transmit the time of payloads to the UE via a high-layersignaling, the UE may determine the payload N_(ePDCCH)^(load)=L×N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed) of the E-PDCCH according to the timeof payloads L and N_(ePDCCH) ^(distributed) obtained from the EPCFICH,so as to denote the number of eCCEs of the E-PDCCHs of all the UE. Inthis way, the UE may determine the payload of the E-PDCCH, determine themaximum resource index of the PUCCH accordingly, and determine its PUCCHresources according to the PUCCH calculation formula, thereby improvingthe spectral efficiency of the PUCCHs.

In this embodiment, processing at the UE side in this implementationmode has be described, the contents of which being incorporated herein,which shall not be described herein any further.

Embodiment 8

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method fordetermining uplink control channel resources, which is processing at aneNB side to which another implementation mode of Embodiment 6corresponds. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the method. Referring to FIG. 13,the method includes:

step 1301: configuring multiple E-PDCCH payloads by an eNB; and

step 1302: transmitting the multiple E-PDCCH payloads and payloadindication information by the eNB to UE, so that the UE determines apayload of its E-PDCCH according to the payload indication information,determines a maximum resource index of its PUCCH according to thepayload of the E-PDCCH, and determines its PUCCH resources according toa PUCCH calculation formula and the maximum resource index of the PUCCH.

In this embodiment, if there exists no EPCFICH, the eNB may configuremultiple E-PDCCH payloads N_(ePDCCH) ^(load) via a high layer signaling,and which N_(ePDCCH) ^(load) being employed is dynamically indicated tothe UE by adding a bit or multiplexing an existing bit to a DCI of theE-PDCCH transmitted to the UE. Therefore, the UE may determine a payloadof the E-PDCCH, determine the maximum resource index of the PUCCHaccordingly, and determine its PUCCH resources according to a PUCCHcalculation formula, thereby improving the spectral efficiency of thePUCCH.

In this embodiment, processing at the UE side in this implementationmode has be described, the contents of which being incorporated herein,which shall not be described herein any further.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides UE, as describedin Embodiment 9 below. As the principle of the UE for solving problemsis similar to that of the method in Embodiment 1, the implementation ofthe method in Embodiment 1 is referred to for the implementation of theUE, and the repeated parts shall not be described any further.

Embodiment 9

An embodiment of the present invention further provides user equipment(UE). FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UE.Referring to FIG. 14, the UE includes:

a receiving unit 141 configured to receive a specific parameterconfigured for a mapping manner of an enhanced physical downlink controlchannel (E-PDCCH) of the UE by an eNB; and

a determining unit 142 configured to determine uplink control channel(PUCCH) resources of the UE according to the specific parametercorresponding to the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE and a PUCCHcalculation formula.

Wherein, the receiving unit 141 is configured to: receive the specificparameter corresponding to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCH transmittedby the eNB, or receive specific parameters configured for differentmapping manners of the E-PDCCH transmitted by the eNB, and determine itsspecific parameter according to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCH.

With the UE of this embodiment, the eNB configures different mappingmanners of E-PDCCH with different specific parameters, and the PUCCHresources obtained through calculation by the UE in the differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH according to the different specificparameters are different, thereby avoiding the problem of collision ofPUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB, asdescribed in Embodiment 10 below. As the principle of the eNB forsolving problems is similar to that of the method in Embodiment 2, theimplementation of the method in Embodiment 2 is referred to for theimplementation of the eNB, and the repeated parts shall not be describedany further.

Embodiment 10

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB. FIG. 15is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eNB. Referring to FIG.15, the eNB includes:

a configuring unit 151 configured to configure different specificparameters for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH of UE; and

a transmitting unit 152 configured to transmit the different specificparameters to the UE, or transmit a specific parameter corresponding tothe mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE to the UE, so that the UEdetermines its uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources according to thespecific parameter corresponding to the mapping manner of its E-PDCCHand a PUCCH calculation formula.

With the eNB of this embodiment, different mapping manners of E-PDCCHare configured with different specific parameters, and the PUCCHresources obtained through calculation by the UE in the differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH according to the different specificparameters are different, thereby avoiding the problem of collision ofPUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides UE, as describedin Embodiment 11 below. As the principle of the UE for solving problemsis similar to that of the method in Embodiment 3, the implementation ofthe method in Embodiment 3 is referred to for the implementation of theUE, and the repeated parts shall not be described any further.

Embodiment 11

An embodiment of the present invention further provides user equipment(UE). FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UE.Referring to FIG. 16, the UE includes:

a determining unit 161 configured to determine PUCCH resources of the UEaccording to a specific parameter configured by an eNB and a PUCCHcalculation formula corresponding to a mapping manner of E-PDCCH of theUE.

In an embodiment, when the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UE islocalized mapping, the determining unit 161 determines the PUCCHresources of the UE according to the following formula configured by theeNB for the UE:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +Z×N _(RB) ^(index) +Y×n _(CCE);

where, N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter semi-statically configuredby a high layer, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a physical resourceblock (PRB) occupied by the E-PDCCH, Z is a maximum number of pieces ofdownlink control information (DCI) carried in each PRB in distributedmapping, Y is a ratio of the maximum number of pieces of DCI carried ineach PRB in distributed mapping and a maximum number of pieces of DCIcarried in each PRB in localized mapping, and n_(CCE) is an index of acontrol channel element (eCCE) in each PRB.

Wherein n_(CCE)=0, 1, . . . X−1, and n_(CCE) is a lowest eCCE indexcorresponding to the E-PDCCH, or an eCCE index corresponding to theE-PDCCH and associated with a demodulation reference symbol (DM-RS)port.

In another embodiment, when the mapping manner of the E-PDCCH of the UEis distributed mapping, the determining unit 161 determines the PUCCHresources of the UE according to the following formula configured by theeNB for the UE:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +Z×N _(RB) ^(index) +n _(CCE);

where, N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter semi-statically configuredby a high layer, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a PRB occupied by theE-PDCCH, Z is a maximum number of pieces of DCI carried in each PRB indistributed mapping, and n_(CCE) is an index of a resource element group(eREG) or an eCCE or DCI in each PRB.

Wherein n_(CCE)=0, 1, . . . Z−1, and n_(CCE) is a lowest eCCE indexcorresponding to the E-PDCCH, or an eCCE index corresponding to theE-PDCCH and associated with a DM-RS port.

With the UE of this embodiment, the eNB configures different mappingmanners of E-PDCCH with different PUCCH calculation formulae, and thePUCCH resources obtained through calculation by the UE in the differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH according to the different PUCCH calculationformulae are different, thereby avoiding the problem of collision ofPUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB, asdescribed in Embodiment 12 below. As the principle of the eNB forsolving problems is similar to that of the method in Embodiment 4, theimplementation of the method in Embodiment 4 is referred to for theimplementation of the eNB, and the repeated parts shall not be describedany further.

Embodiment 12

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB. FIG. 17is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eNB. Referring to FIG.17, the eNB includes:

a configuring unit 171 configured to configure different PUCCHcalculation formulae for different mapping manners of E-PDCCH of UE, sothat the UE determines its PUCCH resources according to a specificparameter configured by the eNB and a PUCCH calculation formulacorresponding to its mapping manner of E-PDCCH.

With the eNB of this embodiment, different mapping manners of E-PDCCHare configured with different PUCCH calculation formulae, and the PUCCHresources obtained through calculation by the UE in the differentmapping manners of E-PDCCH according to the different PUCCH calculationformulae are different, thereby avoiding the problem of collision ofPUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides UE, as describedin Embodiment 13 below. As the principle of the UE for solving problemsis similar to that of the method in Embodiment 5, the implementation ofthe method in Embodiment 5 is referred to for the implementation of theUE, and the repeated parts shall not be described any further.

Embodiment 13

An embodiment of the present invention further provides user equipment(UE). FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UE.Referring to FIG. 18, the UE includes:

a first determining unit 181 configured to determine a starting point ofPUCCH resources of the UE according to a payload of an E-PDCCH and amapping manner of E-PDCCH of the UE; and

a second determining unit 182 configured to determine PUCCH resources ofthe UE according to the starting point of the PUCCH resources of the UEand a PUCCH calculation formula.

Wherein, the payload of the E-PDCCH is determined via the number ofeCCEs or the number of PRBs indicated by a physical control formatindicator channel (EPCFICH).

Wherein, the starting point of a PUCCH in a mapping manner of E-PDCCH isin close proximity to a possible maximum resource index of a PUCCH inanother mapping manner of E-PDCCH.

With the UE of this embodiment, the eNB configures different mappingmanners of E-PDCCH with different starting points of PUCCH resources,and the PUCCH resources obtained through calculation by the UE in thedifferent mapping manners of E-PDCCH according to the different startingpoints of PUCCH resources are different, thereby avoiding the problem ofcollision of PUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides UE, as describedin Embodiment 14 below. As the principle of the UE for solving problemsis similar to that of the method in Embodiment 6, the implementation ofthe method in Embodiment 6 is referred to for the implementation of theUE, and the repeated parts shall not be described any further.

Embodiment 14

An embodiment of the present invention further provides user equipment(UE). FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UE.Referring to FIG. 19, the UE includes:

a first determining unit 191 configured to determine a maximum resourceindex of a PUCCH, dynamically according to a payload of an E-PDCCH, ordynamically according to a maximum value preconfigured by a high-layer;and

a second determining unit 192 configured to determine PUCCH resources ofthe UE, according to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximumresource index of the PUCCH.

Wherein, in determining a maximum resource index of a PUCCH dynamicallyaccording to a payload of an E-PDCCH, the first determining unit 191obtains directly or indirectly the payload of the E-PDCCH via a EPCFICH,or obtains through calculation the payload of the E-PDCCH via an EPCFICHand high-layer signaling; and then determines the maximum resource indexof the PUCCH according to the payload of the E-PDCCH.

Wherein, in determining a maximum resource index of a PUCCH dynamicallyaccording to a maximum value preconfigured by a high-layer, the firstdetermining unit 191 first receives multiple E-PDCCH payloadspreconfigured by an eNB and transmitted by the eNB, determines itsE-PDCCH payload according to payload indication information transmittedby the eNB, and then determines the maximum resource index of the PUCCHaccording to the E-PDCCH payload.

Wherein, the second determining unit 192 determines PUCCH resources ofthe UE by performing a modular operation on the maximum resource indexof the PUCCH by using the value obtained through calculation accordingto the PUCCH calculation formula.

With the UE of this embodiment, the eNB presets the maximum resourceindex of the PUCCH, and after the UE calculates the PUCCH resources byusing the PUCCH calculation formulae, the spectral efficiency of thePUCCH is improved by limiting the resource index of the calculatedresource to be within the preset maximum resource index of the PUCCH.And collision of PUCCH resources is avoided in calculating the PUCCHresources by using the methods of Embodiment 9, Embodiment 11, orEmbodiment 13.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB, asdescribed in Embodiment 15 below. As the principle of the eNB forsolving problems is similar to that of the method in Embodiment 7, theimplementation of the method in Embodiment 7 is referred to for theimplementation of the eNB, and the repeated parts shall not be describedany further.

Embodiment 15

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB. FIG. 20is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eNB. Referring to FIG.20, the eNB includes:

a configuring unit 2001 configured to configure times of payloads; and

a transmitting unit 2002 configured to transmit the times of payloads toUE, so that the UE determines a payload of an E-PDCCH according to thetimes of payloads and the payload of an E-PDCCH in distributed mappingindicated by a received EPCFICH, determines a maximum resource index ofits PUCCH according to the payload of the E-PDCCH, and determines itsPUCCH resources according to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximumresource index of the PUCCH.

By configuring corresponding parameters by the eNB of this embodiment,the UE may determine a payload of E-PDCCH, and determine its PUCCHresources accordingly, thereby improving the spectral efficiency of thePUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB, asdescribed in Embodiment 16 below. As the principle of the eNB forsolving problems is similar to that of the method in Embodiment 8, theimplementation of the method in Embodiment 8 is referred to for theimplementation of the eNB, and the repeated parts shall not be describedany further.

Embodiment 16

An embodiment of the present invention further provides an eNB. FIG. 21is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eNB. Referring to FIG.21, the eNB includes:

a configuring unit 2101 configured to configure multiple E-PDCCHpayloads; and

a transmitting unit 2102 configured to transmit the multiple E-PDCCHpayloads and payload indication information to UE, so that the UEdetermines a payload of its E-PDCCH according to the payload indicationinformation, determines a maximum resource index of its PUCCH accordingto the payload of the E-PDCCH, and determines its PUCCH resourcesaccording to a PUCCH calculation formula and the maximum resource indexof the PUCCH.

By configuring corresponding parameters by the eNB of this embodiment,the UE may determine a payload of E-PDCCH, and determine its PUCCHresources accordingly, thereby improving the spectral efficiency of thePUCCH resources.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides acomputer-readable program, wherein when the program is executed in userequipment, the program enables a computer to carry out the method fordetermining uplink control channel resources as described in Embodiment1, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 5, or Embodiment 6, in the user equipment.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage mediumin which a computer-readable program is stored, wherein thecomputer-readable program enables a computer to carry out the method fordetermining uplink control channel resources as described in Embodiment1, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 5, or Embodiment 6, in user equipment.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides acomputer-readable program, wherein when the program is executed in aneNB, the program enables a computer to carry out the method fordetermining uplink control channel resources as described in Embodiment2, Embodiment 4, Embodiment 7, or Embodiment 8, in the eNB.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage mediumin which a computer-readable program is stored, wherein thecomputer-readable program enables a computer to carry out the method fordetermining uplink control channel resources as described in Embodiment2, Embodiment 4, Embodiment 7, or Embodiment 8, in an eNB.

The above apparatuses and methods of the present invention may beimplemented by hardware, or by hardware in combination with software.The present invention relates to such a computer-readable program thatwhen the program is executed by a logic device, the logic device isenabled to carry out the apparatus or components as described above, orto carry out the methods or steps as described above. The presentinvention also relates to a storage medium for storing the aboveprogram, such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD, a DVD, and a flashmemory, etc.

The present invention is described above with reference to particularembodiments. However, it should be understood by those skilled in theart that such a description is illustrative only, and not intended tolimit the protection scope of the present invention. Various variantsand modifications may be made by those skilled in the art according tothe spirits and principle of the present invention, and such variantsand modifications fall within the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. User equipment (UE), comprising: a receiverconfigured to receive a specific parameter configured for a mappingmanner of an enhanced physical downlink control channel (E-PDCCH) of theUE by an eNB, wherein the specific parameter configured for the mappingmanner of the E-PDCCH corresponds to a localized mapping or adistributed mapping; and a processing circuit configured to determinephysical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources of the UE according tothe specific parameter corresponding to the localized or distributedmapping of the E-PDCCH of the UE and a PUCCH calculation formula.
 2. TheUE according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to: receivethe specific parameter corresponding to the mapping manner of itsE-PDCCH transmitted by the eNB; or receive specific parametersconfigured for different mapping manners of the E-PDCCH transmitted bythe eNB, and determine each specific parameter according to the mappingmanner of its E-PDCCH.
 3. An eNB, comprising: a processing circuitconfigured to configure different specific parameters for differentmapping manners of an enhanced physical downlink control channel(E-PDCCH) of user equipment (UE), wherein the different specificparameter configured for the different mapping manners of the E-PDCCHcorrespond to a localized mapping or a distributed mapping; and atransmitter configured to transmit the different specific parameters tothe UE, or transmit a specific parameter corresponding to the mappingmanner of the E-PDCCH of the UE to the UE, so that the UE determines itsphysical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources according to thespecific parameter corresponding to the localized or distributed mappingof its E-PDCCH and an uplink control channel (PUCCH) calculationformula.
 4. User equipment (UE), comprising: a processing circuitconfigured to determine physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)resources of the UE according to a specific parameter configured by aneNB and a PUCCH calculation formula corresponding to a localized ordistributed mapping of an enhanced physical downlink control channel(E-PDCCH) of the UE; and a receiver configured to receive signals fromthe eNB.
 5. The UE of claim 4, wherein the PUCCH calculation formula isdifferent depending on whether the mapping manner is the localized orthe distributed mapping manner.
 6. The UE according to claim 4, whereinwhen the mapping of the E-PDCCH of the UE is the localized mapping, theprocessing circuit determines the PUCCH resources of the UE according tothe following formula configured by the eNB for the UE:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +Z×N _(RB) ^(index) +Y×n _(CCE); where,N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter semi-statically configured by ahigh layer, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a physical resource block(PRB) occupied by the E-PDCCH, Z is a maximum number of pieces ofdownlink control information (DCI) carried in each PRB in thedistributed mapping, Y is a ratio of the maximum number of pieces of DCIcarried in each PRB in the distributed mapping and a maximum number ofpieces of DCI carried in each PRB in the localized mapping, and n_(CCE)is an index of a control channel element (eCCE) in each PRB.
 7. The UEaccording to claim 6, wherein n_(CCE)=0,1, . . . X−1, and n_(CCE) is alowest eCCE index corresponding to the E-PDCCH, or an eCCE indexcorresponding to the E-PDCCH and associated with a demodulationreference symbol (DM-RS) port.
 8. The UE according to claim 6, whereinwhen the mapping of the E-PDCCH of the UE is the distributed mapping,the processing circuit determines the PUCCH resources of the UEaccording to the following formula configured by the eNB for the UE:n _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ =N _(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ +Z×N _(RB) ^(index) +n _(CCE); where,N_(PUCCH) ⁽¹⁾ is a specific parameter semi-statically configured by ahigh layer, N_(RB) ^(index) is an index of a PRB occupied by theE-PDCCH, Z is a maximum number of pieces of DCI carried in each PRB inthe distributed mapping, and n_(CCE) is an index of a resource elementgroup (eREG) or an eCCE or DCI in each PRB.
 9. The UE according to claim8, wherein n_(CCE)=0, 1, . . . Z−1, and n_(CCE) is a lowest eCCE indexcorresponding to the E-PDCCH, or an eCCE index corresponding to theE-PDCCH and associated with a DM-RS port.
 10. An eNB, comprising: aprocessing circuit configured to configure different physical uplinkcontrol channel (PUCCH) calculation formulae for localized ordistributed mapping of an enhanced physical downlink control channel(E-PDCCH) of a user equipment (UE), so that the UE determines its PUCCHresources according to a specific parameter configured by the eNB and aPUCCH calculation formula corresponding to the localized or distributedmapping of the E-PDCCH; and a receiver configured to receive signalsfrom the UE.
 11. The eNB of claim 10, wherein the same and the PUCCHcalculation formula is different depending on whether the mapping manneris the localized or the distributed mapping manner.